Built in Birmingham, England circa the late 1920’s

This double-walled vehicle was manufactured by Eccles, the true pioneer in the caravan industry. It was made in the first purpose-built caravan factory in the world, in Birmingham, England.

Eccles vans were much sought after by VIPs, Maharajahs, companies and organisations across the world. But, according to the caravan historian and writer Andrew Jenkinson, “some of Eccles’ most exacting clientele were showmen and Gypsies”. Therefore, he added, these ornate showman trailers were of a very high standard: “Fittings and craftsmanship were of the highest order.”

Showmen—with circuses or travelling fairs—lived on the move and on their entertainment pitches for a long season before taking to winter quarters for a few months. With their flair for the extravagant and ornate, their mobile homes had to be smart and impressive —palaces on wheels to match their owners’ claims of being the best, the greatest. Their patronage ensured Eccles employed only master craftsmen with consummate skills.

This unique Eccles, almost certainly a one-off production, was hand-built, probably in the late 1920’s, in the style of a showman’s wagon or fortune teller’s caravan. It reflects the transition in design style from Art Nouveau to Art Deco.

Willem Middlemiss, consultant at Cheffins Vintage Auction, surmises that this showman’s living wagon may have been designed and built for a fairground or circus proprietor for holiday purposes, towed by a saloon car. After touring with this Eccles, he would return to one of the large opulent living vans stationed on the circus or fairground pitch.